Description
Introduced for 2002, the Ferrari 575M (Modificata) represented an evolution of the acclaimed 550 Maranello rather than an entirely new model. With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1997, Ferrari had returned to its tradition of building front-engined V12 sports cars, resurrecting a line that had remained dormant since the demise of the 365GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ in 1974. The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 550 Maranello’s 48-valve, 5.5-liter V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm, some 100-or-so horsepower more than the Daytona’s. Ferrari had discovered long ago that providing optimum balance in a front-engined sports car necessitated the use of a rear transaxle, and the Maranello’s came with six speeds. The power train was housed in a tubular steel chassis, to which was attached aluminum coachwork, while the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which was complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.
Styled by Pininfarina like its illustrious ‘Daytona’ predecessor, the 550 Maranello was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, small cabin and truncated tail. The body’s aerodynamics were developed in the wind tunnel, where hours of testing ensured that the minimum of drag was combined with constant downforce regardless of set up, an important consideration in a 200mph road car. Styling details such as the bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheelarches recalled the great competizione Ferraris of the past, in particular the immortal 250GTO, while the tail incorporated Ferrari’s characteristic twin circular lights.
For the 575M, engine displacement grew to 5,748cc and maximum power to 515bhp, while transmitting it to the ground was a new six-speed ‘paddle shift’ manual gearbox, a technology that Ferrari had developed in Formula 1.
Leaving Maranello IN 2004, this 575M was delivered new in the rare and unusual colour combination of black over tan. Most recently, the Ferrari has received cosmetic topping and tailing including a reskinning of the leather dashboard to rectify imperfections that had formed over the years.
This an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most popular and beautiful Ferraris of the modern era. The spiritual successor of the legendary Daytona and 275GTB/4, the 550 Maranello and 575M have become one of the hottest models among tifosi. Elegant, spirited, and guaranteed to delight, this 575M is ready to gallop into the garage of its next lucky owner.
